Serena Williams says Naomi Osaka is doing the right thing by withdrawing from the French Open.
The World number 2 confirmed her decision to withdraw last night, after a standoff with tournament organisers over her unwillingness to perform tournament media requirements.
Osaka revealed last night she has suffered from long bouts of depression, and says she will now take time away from the game...
23 time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams says Osaka needs to do what's best for her
On the court today, women's top seed Ashleigh Barty gets her tournament uderway.
The 2019 champion is up against American Bernarda Pera.
Fifth seed Elina Svitolina is up first on the Philippe Chartier Court at 11am Irish time.
Last year's quarter finalist faces home favourite Oceane Babel.
Rafael Nadal begins his attempt to make tennis history at the French Open later.
A 14th title at Roland Garros would make him the outright record holder for men's Grand Slam trophies with 21.
He's currently joint top of those standings with Roger Federer.
Nadal opens against Australia's Alexei Popyrin and ahead of that, he's been honoured with a statue in Paris.
Meanwhile world number 1 Novak Djokovic begins his campaign tonight facing Tennys Sandgren.
